By Chinelo Okeke
The Diocese of Awka, Anglican Communion, has concluded its 40th Annual Women’s Conference and 3rd Mother’s Union Conference, with participants encouraged to remain steadfast in their christian faith and pursue spiritual growth despite life’s challenges.
The four-day conference, which began on June 25 and ended on June 28, was held at the Church of the Holy Spirit, Awka, attracted women from the Diocese’s 23 archdeaconries, alongside the wives of archbishops and bishops from across the Anglican Communion in Nigeria. The Archbishop of the Ecclesiastical Province of the Niger was also in attendance.
Speaking on the conference theme, “Pressing Towards the Mark for the Prize of the High Calling of God in Christ Jesus,” drawn from Philippians 3:14, the President of the Ecclesiastical Province of the Niger and President of the Diocese of Awka Women’s Ministry, Dr. Mrs. Martha Chioma Ibezim, urged Christians to remain focused on God’s purpose for their lives.
She described the christian life as a race that demands faith, discipline, perseverance and unwavering commitment to God. Drawing from the example of the Apostle Paul, she noted that despite his spiritual accomplishments, he remained committed to pursuing greater maturity in Christ.
Mrs. Ibezim said christians should not be discouraged by trials, persecution or worldly distractions but should continue to press forward with confidence, knowing that God has prepared an eternal reward for those who remain faithful.
According to her, “the mark” represents God’s purpose, spiritual maturity, holiness, obedience and a life devoted to pleasing Christ, urging believers to put past failures behind them, avoid complacency with sin and remain committed to growing in faith through prayer, the study of God’s Word, worship and faithful service.
She encouraged the women to live purposefully by reflecting Christ in their homes, workplaces, businesses, churches and communities, stressing that the christian faith should be evident in every aspect of life.
The conference ended with prayers for the church, families, the nation and the continued spiritual growth of christian women.
Chinelo Okeke is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
